Ripon Commonwealth Press - September 2011
Copper Box frontman and Ripon High School alumnus Danny Jerabek Jr., in tribute to his father, Ripon resident "Tuba" Dan, after picking up this sousaphone but before performing "Peter Gunn" with wife Michelle singing lead. The band was the opening act for the Doobie Brothers at teh final evening of Waterfest last week Wednesday at the Leach Ampitheater in Oshkosh. The Jerabek father and son seem to have a mutual admiration society as Tuba Dan wore a T-shirt to the concert on which was printed the saying: "Accordions Rule!"
"My parents, Tuba Dan and Lila, only come to hear us when there are 6,000 other people around," Jerabek joked to the crowd. Copper Box completed its 70-minute set with visitors cheering, and then roaring their approval aain as an area D.J. mentioned the Oshkosh-based polka/Cajun band before introducing the evening's headliner.
The Northwestern - September 2011
Waterfest Concert Series: Season a Success
PHOTO: Copper Box
Caption: Copper Box performs at the Leach Amphitheater in Oshkosh during Waterfest's 2011 finale Wednesday. The Doobie Brothers, a band on the event wish list for quite some time, also performed. Find more photos at www.thenorthwestern.com [Adam Jungwirth/of the Northwestern]
DOOBIE BROTHERS WRAP UP BIG TURNOUT SUMMER
by Doug Zellmer of the Northwestern
Joyce Ludwig basked in the late Wednesday afternoon sunshine and was ready to rock to the beat at teh Waterfest Concert Series finale.
The Oshkosh resident arrived early at the Leach Amphitheater with folding chair in tow.
"This is my spot. I can see everything here," Ludwig said, staking out her usual spot on the grass and waiting for the music to begin.
She was among hundreds of people who streamed into the amphitheater about 5 pm.
"I want to hear some fantastic music. The weather is awesome and it's a beautiful night," Ludwig siad. "I'll be staying here until the end. Right up until 11pm."
Mighty Short Bus and local favorite, Copper Box, played Wednesday night at Waterfest, but it was the Doobie Brothers......
....Dempsey, entertainment chairman for Waterfest, siad a solid turnout of fans for the season finale would put Waterfest in black financially for the season. "If we get 5,000 plus spectators for the Doobie Brothers we will be happy.....this year should be the second or third best season in terms of revenue and attendence....."
by Doug Zellmer: [email protected]
The Northwestern - August 2011
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/section/blogs01?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&U=6e74b
by Charles Greenley
Relix - May 2011
Fronted by Danny and Michelle Jerabek, Copper Box is a genre-bending celebration of fusion roots rock that channels the rowdy communal feel of a small-town party with their gutsy, Americana sound of artists like the legendary Esteban Jordan (the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion), Doug Sahm, Clifton Chenier, Los Lobos and CCR--a must see! -Relix Magazine June 2011
Shepherd Express April 5th, 2011 - April 2011
Michelle Jerabek lacks neither excitement nor pride when describing Copper Box, the band she shares with her husband and Kevin Junemann (bass/ukelele) and Jason Van Ryzin (drums). “Like a Texas tornado that swept through New Orleans and is tearing up the Midwest!” she says to describe her quartet’s accordion-fueled roots rock. The thing is, she’s right to be thrilled about the music she and her fellow Oshkosh-based band mates are making.
Milwaukee has had fits and starts of polka/punk fusion for more than 30 years. Copper Box, however, takes Wisconsin’s love affairs with the squeezebox and hard-rocking bar bands by a different tack, incorporating zydeco, cumbia and other styles associated with the cheery, reedy wheeze of button boxes.
It’s no surprise that the state’s most ubiquitous accordion music figured prominently in the group’s stylistic evolution. Of her and husband/frontman Danny’s background, Jerabek relates, “We got our feet wet with polka music since that was a family tradition passed on through generations.
“Danny’s love for the accordion drew him to Tex-Mex and zydeco,” she adds. “He began to practice endlessly, teaching himself how to play almost any style of music on accordion. Jazz, blues, Cajun, rock, etc.”
Clifton Chenier, Esteban Jordan, Bonnie Raitt, Doug Sahm, Los Lobos, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Texas’ polka fusion pioneers Brave Combo numbered among Danny’s personal influences before his marriage to Michelle and their formation of Copper Box.
Nobody who sees the band more than once will witness the same set list, or spectacle. “I don’t know what Danny’s going to say or do half the time on stage,” Jerabek says. “We are not married to any one type of music for the entire show. (It) keeps it interesting for us and the audience. No two shows are exactly alike.”
If the group’s recently released DVD of a gig at Oshkosh’s Waterfest concert series is any indication, there is plenty of fun to be had at a Copper Box performance. Danny could tell the audience it’s time for some heavy metal—then return to the stage carrying a tuba.
From the size of their crowd in that video, and considering Wisconsin’s musical heritage, it may appear that the group’s popularity was inevitable. But that wasn’t quite the case. Says Jerabek of what she and her mates still consider a baby band, “It was extremely tough starting out trying to get clubs to hire a band with an accordion that doesn’t play a full set of country or classic rock.”
But one of the pluses of their persistence has been a kind of freedom. In Jerabek’s words, “It’s nice to be part of a band that can play whatever they feel like playing.”
Copper Box plays Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall, 1920 S. 37th St., on Friday, April 8.
http://www.npaper-wehaa.com/shepherdexpress/2011/04/05/#?article=1223239
by Jaimie Lee Rake
March 2011
Copper Box has been nominated by WI Area Music Industry (WAMI) for "Americana Artist of the Year" and "Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year (Danny Jerabek/accordion)" this year! The award ceremony will take place on April 17th in Milwaukee, WI at Turner Hall. www.wamimusic.com for more information. Congratulations!
Appleton Post Crescent - October 2009
Lauren had not heard anyone rock out with a button accordion or a washboard, however, until she witnessed Danny and Michelle Jerabek in action Wednesday.
"They kind of sounded different to me, and I liked it," Lauren said.
The Jerabeks are the husband-and-wife team leading Copper Box, a high-energy band from Oshkosh whose sound has been dubbed squeezebox rock.
The duo introduced different instruments and musical genres to Lauren and 360 other students at Lakeview Elementary School during two miniconcerts.
The performances were sponsored by the Lakeview Parent Teacher Organization and Performing Arts for Youth as a means to broaden the students' appreciation of music.
Danny played a button accordion (button box), cornet, penny whistle and kazoo, and Michelle played a guitar and saxophone. They had students clapping their hands, slapping their knees and bobbing their heads to the "Clarinet Polka," "Irish Jig" and "Mardi Gras Mambo."
The younger students even flapped their arms and wagged their tails to the familiar "Chicken Dance." They knew the song from hearing it at the roller rink.
The biggest hit among students, though, was when Michelle played the rhythm of a zydeco song by stroking spoons across a washboard hung from her shoulders. The percussion instrument captivated the audience.
"That was a completely new thing for me," fourth-grader John Zwick said afterward. "I thought that was kind of interesting."
"It was cool," fifth-grader Katie Sukanen said. "I wish I could play the washboard."
Michelle encouraged the students to get their own washboard to play.
"Your mom and dad are going to love it!" Danny said.
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910150531
by Duke Behnke
The Hype Machine - March 2009
.... we’re long overdue in introducing you to Copper Box.
Straight outta Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and fronted by the husband-and-wife team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek, this band takes a lot of influences, tosses them into the blender and comes up with a distinctive sound. It’s mostly rock, Zydeco and polka, but there’s also some blues, country and Tejano.
The Jerabeks are veteran performers. Their considerable skills were honed in their families’ polka bands, which they joined as kids. Think of the accordian replacing the Hammond organ, yet sounding a bit like it, and you get an idea of Danny’s skills. Michelle plays sax, flute and guitar and is a terrific singer. They’re flanked by bass player Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, and it’s tight.
Copper Box — CBx for short — is no novelty act. It’s been around for seven years and four albums. Tonight, CBx is headlining at Shank Hall, one of Milwaukee’s best clubs for Americana/roots music. Two weeks from tonight, CBx opens for kindred spirits Brave Combo at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, Illinois, another great club in the same vein.
Summer in Wisconsin, of course, brings plenty of outdoor gigs. They’ll be as busy this summer as last summer, when their publicist sent me some mp3s. They offered the whole CD, but I said, nah, I’ll just get it at one of their shows in Green Bay. And then, of course, I never saw them. I hope to make up for that this summer.
No reason for you to miss out. Enjoy a little bit of Copper Box, a delight from our corner of Wisconsin.
“Need A Little Squeezin’” and “Apple Of Your Eye,” Copper Box, from “Need A Little Squeezin’,” 2008. (Also available on iTunes.)
The title tune is a slide blues-rocker written and sung by Michelle. The latter is a Zydeco-meets-jazz number written and sung by Danny. It reminds me a lot of the Iguanas.
These are the first two of 15 cuts on the CD, which was released about a year ago and by all accounts gets pretty close to their live sound.
Speaking of which, enjoy this video. Copper Box covers Creedence’s “Born on the Bayou,” recorded last July 4 at the Sawdust City Days festival in their hometown, Oshkosh.
Love Copper Box! I’ve seen them a couple of times here and there around the state. They always put on a great show.
If you like accordion-fueled rock-n-roll, be sure to check out my friends “Those Darn Accordions!” at
http://www.thosedarnaccordions.com
They will be playing dates around Wisconsin and Illinois again this summer. Check the webpage for tour dates.
For a taste of what it sounds like when accordion meets Led Zepplin, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ2QoOs-WRo
*Bill
www.hypem.com/search/copper box/1/
by Hype Machine
Journal Sentinel - January 2009
Copper Box
8pm Saturday, Shank Hall $8
The accordion is perhaps one of the least-appreciated musical instruments. Yet a guy as tough as James Ellroy (whose novels include ultra-hard-boiled classics like "L.A. Confidential") has an ear for it, and if you're living in Milwaukee, you're at least going to learn to tolerate it.
Copper Box makes this easy. Hailing from Oshkosh, this group features Danny Jerabek, a true accordion virtuoso who translates the vivid physicality of the instrument into an idiomatic style that includes elements of rock, Zydeco, blues and (natch) polka.
His wife, Michelle Jerabek, sings with him and also plays flute, guitar and sax. With bassist Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, they swing from originals to unusual covers-including a Pink Floyd polka-with style and humor.
Copper Box's latest album is "Need a Little Squeezin' " -an agreeable sentiment.
-Jon M. Gilbertson, Special to the Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)
by Jon Gilbertson
Indie Music Stop - October 2008
Indie Music Stop by C.W. Ross
Interview with Copper Box:
Go to www.indiemusicstop.com to read the interview on the November 2008 issue.
"If you are looking for some original sounding music, then do I have the band for you!" To read MORE... go to www.indiemusicstop.com .
by C.W. Ross
The Northwestern: Weekend Section - October 2008
...Rocking with favorite Oshkosh sounds tonight...cruise into the staple downtown joint to catch dynamic "swamp rock" foursome, Copper Box light up the stage with foot-stomping grooves like "Tijuana" and "Hey Baby, Que Paso."
Boasting contagious beats and catchy lyrics, Copper Box comes pocketing originals off April 2008 release "Need a Little Squeezin'" and a slew of favorites from earlier albums like "Backyard Party..."
by Sarah Owen
Wildy's World - July 2008
Copper Box - Need A Little Squeezin'
2008, Copper Box
If you want to know how to make a party go mad with delight, you start with the band. You can go the traditional straightforward rock route, but if you want to appeal to a broad array of attendees you've got to have some variety in the sound. So you take elements of Rock, Country, Zydeco, Pokla, Klezmer and even some Jethro Tull-inspired flute playing and you mix them up into one musical super group. Or you could just pick up Need A Little Squeezin', the dynamic and wonderful new CD from Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s own Copper Box.
I'm guessing you'll likely never see Copper Box on MTV-2 or VH-1, but this is an incredibly entertaining band nonetheless. Need A Little Squeezin' works because it is firmly ground in the fundamentals and styles of music that has pleased crowds for ages, but has a modern edge and energy to it similar to the life Brian Setzer breathes into his music.
The title track, Need A Little Squeezin starts off the album with a bang, with the wonderful (and sorely under-represented) vocals of Michelle Jerabek. Her voice has a true Nashville sound with just a hint of a rock edge to it, and is much more interesting than a lot of the bland voices that float out of Nashville these days. This is followed up by Apple Of Your Eye, which has some of the best Ian Anderson-inspired flute playing this side of, well, Ian Anderson.
Need A Little Squeezin' avoids the whole Lawrence Welk sound that I always envision when I see an accordion (although Hopeless Lover definitely rides the edge). What you get instead is a vivacious presentation of new songs in the Zydeco vein, or snappy, modern interpretations of the occasional classic (Jambalaya). Copper Box has created a musical framework that should (in theory) do for Zydeco what Setzer did for small-band swing a number of years ago. Need A Little Squeezin' is a rollicking good time, and will cause spontaneous smiling and dancing at any sensible party. It's a must-hear.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2008/07/cd-review-copper-box-need-little.html
by Wildy's World
Indie Music Sampler Podcast - July 2008
I have to admit - it's not very often you'll hear an accordion on my program but this group is irresistible. "Need A Little Squeezin'" was featured on episode #102 of Indie Music Sampler. I love the way this group take a little from several genres and turns it into something you can't quite put your finger on.
http://indiemusicsampler.com/2008/06/27/ims-102/
by Indie Music Sampler Podcast
Ed's Mixed Bag - June 2008
Copper Box;
It's out,!! episode #142 of the Ed's Mixed Bag podcast with your track, "Need A Little Squeezin' " & thanks for the excellent intro and ID. I'll be back here to Ariel to grab another track by you guys!! Thanks, again.
by Ed's Mixed Bag
Mondo Blu - June 2008
Just finished listening to this CD and really enjoyed it. It covers so may different styles and it's also a lot of fun! Here are the tracks I'll be playing from this weekend 20/06:
NEED A LITTLE SQUEEZIN' - JAMBALAYA - GYPSY DANCER - HEY BABY, ¿QUÉ PASÓ? - TIJUANA - SCHTUMPFER'S CUMBIA - ZYDECO CHA CHA CHA - PLEASE PASS THE SCHNAPS - PURPLE BOA - REDHEADS HAVE MORE FUN - ZYDECO BOOGALOO - HOWARDS GROVE PARADE.
Keep up the good work and above all, keep having fun!
Indie Music Stop - June 2008
Hi Guys,
Great CD. I just got done reviewing it for on my site.
Here's the direct link to it:
http://cwonline.110mb.com/upb/upb2.2.1/viewtopic.php?id=37&t_id=1
I gave it a 9 out of 10. Really fun, refreshing, unique sounding music.
Thanks,
From,
C.W. Ross
Senior Writer
[email protected]
Indie Music Stop
http://www.indiemusicstop.com
http://cwonline.110mb.com/upb/upb2.2.1/viewtopic.php?id=37&t_id=1
by Indie Music Stop
Scene - May 2008
Need a Little Squeezin', Copper Box
Copper Box knows how to get an audience grooving. Once the Oshkosh-based band starts laying down its infectious groove, the dance floor is filled before youcan say, "Hey Baby, Que Paso."
It doesn't hurt that the husband-wife frontman/woman team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek are talented, enthusiastic multi-instrumental veterans of the stage, both having grown up in their respective families' polka bands.
Combine the Jerabeks with an equally talented and enthusiastic rhythm section in the form of Kevin Junemann on bass and precision stickman Jason Van Ryzin on drums, and you have a band that demands to be seen live.
While Copper Box has released several CDs, I confess that I felt something essential was always missing from those earlier recordings, as if the band's vital essence could never truly be captured on recordings. Wrong! Need a Little Squeezin' is as close to a live Copper Box set as you're ever likely to get.
As Michelle notes on the Copper Box website (www.copperboxsite.com), this is the first time the band didn't record itself. Need a Little Squeezin' was recorded at Marc Golde's busy Rock Garden Studio in Appleton, with Golde and Danny Jerabek engineering.
This recording should become a showcase in Glode's long list of recordings because it sounds great and ably displays what a band candowhen the members can concentrate on the work at hand--i.e., making music-rather than worrying about recording production values.
Nine of the 15 tunes were penned by Danny, including a new arrangement of his previously recorded, "Apple of Your Eye" (from the first Copper Box CD, Roots), with Michelle contributing jazz flute that elds beautifully with Dannys melodic button box. The title tune, a slow-burning blues that opens the CD, was written by Michelle.
The remainder of the songs include Hank Williams' Cajun-flavored "Jambalaya," Clifton Chenier's "Zydeco Cha Cha," Buckwheat Zydeco's "Zydeco Boogaloo" and a rousing, heartfelt version of "Please Pass the Schnapps" by late Happy Schnapps Combo founder, Jim Krueger.
Throughout the CD, Copper Box shows the members' wideranging influences, from Tex-Mex ("Hey Baby, Que Paso" by AugieMeyers and Bill Sheffield of the Texas Tornados and Danny's own "Tijuana") to CTI-era jazz ("Red Heads Have More Fun").
One of the brightest moments in the album closer "Howards Grove Parade," Danny Jerabek's tribute to second line brass bands of New Orleans, with Danny blowing a sousaphone, Michelle on sax and Van Ryzin on the marching snare and Junemann resonating on a marching bass drum.
The band is joined by frequent live show collaborator Jeff Roblee on percussion (tracks 4,5,8,9,14), Moon Gypsy, Chris Wagoner on lap steel (title track) and violin (track 13) and fan and sometime roadie Kevin "Schtumpfer" Hemb on stumpf fiddle (tracks 10, 15).
If you don't know what a stumpf fiddle is, check Copper Box live. They always get a few stumpf fiddlers, especially at what has become an annual gig for them and the Jerry Schneider Band, at the WI Microbrewers Festival at Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton, WI on Sunday May 18th.
To get a copy of Need a Little Squeezin' you've got to catch Copper Box live somewhere, or send a check or money order for $18 (that includes S&H) to Copper Box, P.O. Box 3966 Oshkosh, WI 54903. Or order online at www.copperboxsite.com.
by Jim Lundstrum
Shepherd Express - April 2008
The nominees are in
By Shepherd Express Staff
Group: Hindsight; Bellevue Suite; Molitor; Skillet; Northern Room.
Solo Artist/Performer: Ronnie Nyles; Greg Waters; Tom Vollman; Ryan McIntyre; Peter Mulvey.
CD: “Fahrenheit 420”, Fahrenheit 420; “Country Rock Star”, Tracy Stefans; “Little Bird”, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons; “Civil War”, Fever Marlene; “Tell Me Why”, Alex Wilson.
Female Vocalist: Chrissie Dzioba; Ronnie Nyles; Annie Denison; Deirdre Fellner; Debbie Johnson; Lisa Hannon.Male Vocalist: Michael Wendland; Lamont Richardson; Michael Sean; Corey Chisel; A.J. Laird.
New Group/Artist: House Blend; The Buskers; Greg Waters and The Broad Street Boogie; Twelve.Ounce.Prophet; Grey Leaf.
Song: "Barbaro”, Deb Lopez and Ronnie Nyles; “Violet”, Fahrenheit 420; “Red Fire”, Fever Marlene; “Change Your Mind”, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons.
Americana/Rockabilly: Blue Heels; Liam Ford Band; Andy’s Automatics; Uptown Savages; Twang Dragons.
Big Band: Swing Nouveau; Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate; All Star SUPERband; The Pat Crawford Big Band; Ladies Must Swing.
Bluegrass: Liberty Bluegrass; Salt Creek; Above The Town; .357 String Band; Nob Hill Boys.
Blues Group/Artist: Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys; Big O and the Shakers; Alex Wilson; Back Alley Band; Perry Weber and the DeVilles.
Christian/Gospel Group/Artist: Skillet; Chad James; United Voices of Praise; Gary Clausing; Tammy Ann Winn. Classical Group: UWM Symphonic Band; Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Skylight Opera; Bel Canto Chorus; Present Music.
Contemporary Jazz Group/Artist: Helen Exner; Kevin Crocker Jazz Quartet; Janet Planet; Chris Crain; Fell Boyz.
Country Group/Artist: Grand Union; Nashville Pipeline; Chasin' Mason; Tracy Stefans; Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack.
Cover Band: The Toys; Sonic Circus; Half Empty; Mt. Olive; Road Trip; Johnny Wad.
Folk/Acoustic Group/Artist: Bazooka Joe; Willie Porter; Jeffrey Miller; Alaria Taylor; Moon Gypsies.
Pop/Adult Contemporary: Streetlife; Copperbox; Eddie Butts; In Black-n-White; Ronnie Nyles.
R&B/Soul/Hip-Hop Group/Artist: Mary Davis; Midnight Groove; Kid Millions; Figureheads; Element C. Everest.
Rock Group: Fahrenheit 420; Bellevue Suite; Spiral Trance; Boxkar; Mighty Short Bus; Wild Birds.Specialty/Nostalgia Group/Artist: Funk Trunk; Beatallica; Light Up; Glam Band; Mark Shurilla.
Traditional Jazz Group/Artist: Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen; Steve Lewandowski; Pat Crawford Jazz Band; Jamie Briewick; Paul Spencer Band.
World Beat/Reggae/Ska: La Clave; Unity; Something To Do; Kojo; The Invaders.Bassist: Sam Kidd; Chris Trotter; Mike Spellman; Rick LaJeunesse; Chris Spielman; Ken Sigul.
Drummer: Paul Spencer; Tommy Caponi; Todd Hellman; Tony Keller; Scottie Kallenbach; Joey Zak.Guitarist: Alex Wilson; Chris Dame; Steve Lewandowski; Scotty Meyer; Bruce Lehman.
Keyboard Player: Jim Sodke; Johnny Palecek; Sam Steffke; Kevin Machon; Paul Reichert; Joe Hite.Reeds/Brass: Karl Landwater; Mary Rodgers; Dave "Smitty" Smith; Andrew Spadafora; Steve Cooper.
Specialty Instrumentalist: Russ Greeley; Tommy Greywolf; Danny Jerabek; Beth Wisnewski; Edwin Seoda.
Group/Artist Website: www.ronnienyles.com, Ronnie Nyles; www.copperboxsite.com, Copperbox; www.houndstoothblues.com, Hounds Tooth, www.SonicCircus.net, Sonic Circus;www.twangdragons.com, Twang Dragons.
Print Media: Shepherd Express; MKE; Appleton Post-Crescent; Maximum Ink; The Valley Scene.Producer: Marc Golde; Deb Lopez; Pat Lilley; Justin Perkins; Gary Tanin.
Radio Station: WMSE-FM 91.7; WYMS-FM 88.9; WHQG-FM 102.9; WAPL-FM 105.7; WJZX-FM 106.9.Stage Production: Onstage Audio; Clearwing Audio; SRS Sound; Eliminator Audio; White Noise.Studio: Rock Garden; Nexus; Firebird Recording Studio; Smart Studio; Renwood Messenger.
Venue: Mill Creek; Caroline’s; Milwaukee Ale House; The Tap Haus; Kelly's Bleacher's II.
http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-1526-2008-wami-award-nominees.html
by Shepherd Express Staff
City Pages - February 2007
The crazy music of Copper Box stomps through two very different venues. Apparently the accordion is one mean party instrument. Seriously.
Four generations of accordion players resulted in the family affair that is Copper Box, one of the hottest and most popular bands in Wisconsin---which is led by the accordion player.
Danny Jerabek found the instrument as a young boy. Today, years later, his penchant for playing has Copper Box being chosen to open for a wide range of national acts swinging through Wisconsin.
When the Oshkosh-based quartet appears at the Grand Theater Wednesday, Feb. 7, they're opening for the nationally recognized rock-country band Little Big Town. How that came about was partly a matter of being in the right place at the right time. "We met them at the post July Fourth party Riverfront Rendezvous (in Stevens Point, WI) and hit it off. Our agent saw they were coming through again and we called and asked to play the shows, and they said of course," says Danny's wife and co-bandleader, Michelle Jerabek.
The sounds are vastly different: the pop-country sound of Little Big Town versus the accordion-based polka-rock-zydeco-blues party tunes of Copper Box, but they certainly compliment each other and should make for one helluva show.
Copper Box started out as a tuba and accordion band. Yes, they played those instruments in bars...But as Michelle Jerabek says, it's hard to take that seriously as a rockin' party band. So they added guitars, drums and bass, and began running the accordion through traditional guitar pedals like delay and distortion. "We started with Zydeco and traditional polka songs and evolved from there," says Michelle.
"As for opening the show for Little Big Town, we do play some country songs, but we do it a little differently," says Jerabek.
Having songs in the set that range from the traditional polka to their often-requested cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" Copper Box is a regular opener in the state's concert halls and arenas as well as around the major music festivals....They're also still very much a party band...but next week puts them on the same stage as a Grammy and Country Music Award nominee.
"When we booked th eshow we did no know about the Grammy's or the CMA's for them," says Jim O'Connell, executive director of the Performing Arts Foundation, about Little Big Town. The CMA nominations came out three days after the PAF confirmed the show. The arrival of Little Big Town and Copper Box to the Grand Theater stage is part of a larger trend of drop-in shows for the local institution.
Copper Box's appearance at the Grand Theater is a great opportunity to show audiences what this band can do in a concert environment. It's also a nice large venue to kick off the release of their new CD, Backyard Party.
Little Big Town with opening band Copper Box play the Grand Theater Wednesday, Feb. 7th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $32 - $37, available at 842-0988. You can also see Copper Box at a more party-friendly venue this weekend at the Arrow Sports Bar....
by Dino Corvino & Ben Gutsch
The Northwestern - January 2007
"Won't You Love Me Like That," by Copper Box:
Why it's cool? How would you even classify this band? Rock? Zydeco? Polka? We have no idea. All we know is that this Oshkosh band makes really good music.
How to get it? This song is on the band's new album, "Backyard Party," which for now you can buy at Copper Box shows. Look for it wider distribution in the near future.
More about the band: www.copperboxsite.com, www.myspace.com/copperboxband
by Eric Klister
Watertown Daily Times - August 2006
After several days where thermometers hovered around the 100-degree mark, Mother Nature gave the city a break as the 20th annual Riverfest celebration kicked off Thursday night with clear skies, cool temperatures and a rousing performance by the recently reunited country band Little Texas.
You know what? It has been hot everywhere we have gone so this is awesome, said Porter Howell, lead vocals and guitar player for Little Texas. Awesome night, beautiful weather and a beautiful little town with a river you got here.
The festival was kicked off with the Cajun music of Copper Box, and although the grassy area in front of the band shell was almost empty when the concert started, spectators started flowing onto the field by the time the Oshkosh-based band started its third song.
This is the second consecutive year Copper Box has performed at Riverfest, and Dan Jerabek, lead vocals and accordion player, recognized a face in the crowd before the band played their hit Jambalaya.
We would like to dedicate this song to the gentleman in the orange Copper Box shirt that has been here all day long, Jerabek said. I remember you here from last year, but I think then you were wearing purple, but this year he's got his Copper Box shirt armed and ready.
Copper Box, which performed for about two hours, entertained the crowd with such songs as That's Enough of That Stuff, Last Cigarette, Zydeco Party, Sure Fire, Born on the Bayou and Give It Up or Let Me Go.
But what got the crowd's attention the most was Copper Box playing the Pink Floyd song Comfortably Numb, but with some polka flavor added.
Although it is impossible to get an exact head count of how many people visit the festival, Schultz said Thursday was one of the best opening days in the 20-year history of Riverfest because of the high amount of food and beverage sales.
It was a good crowd, Schultz said. It was probably one of the best starts we have had for the festival. ....
by Adam Tobias
The Northwestern: LifeStyle section - April 2005
[photo]Michelle Jerabek and her Copper Box band-mates Dave Jerabek, back left, Dan Jerabek, Nate Grier and drummer Jeff Roblee, make their first music video "Finally Found You" at the Algoma Club last Monday. At top [photo], Tim Kolb, Marc Stevens and Tony Mata film the video. EXCITEMENT SURROUNDS FIRST COPPER BOX MUSIC VIDEO Flip on MTV, and you just might catch a glimpse of Usher or 50 Cent documenting the filming process in "Making the Video." Had you wandered into the Algoma Club last Monday, you would have seen local band Copper Box doing the exact same thing. And just like the television version, it was everything those national acts experience--only altered a bit. There was a make-up crew, a film crew: a team of three area directors and cinematographers. There was catered cuisine: freshly delivered pizza and sodas. "I've got people doing my hair, doing my make-up...the director was the real thing," Jerabek said after the filming was competed. "It's not every day you get pampered like that." And after about 15 grueling hours of work, director Tim Kolb said, "It's a wrap." But between Kolb's wrap declaration , quite a bit of work was completed. SQUARE ONE Copper Box has been presenting their unique blend of "accordion-swamp-rock" since 1998, and has played throughout the Fox Valley and at various places around the nation. Michelle Jerabek plays the saxophones and sings lead vocals, her husband, Dan Jerabek, also sings and plays the wqueeze box. Dan's brother Dave Jerabek plays bass and tuba, while Nate Grier plays the guitar and Jeff Roblee keeps beat on the drums. While they were busy making a name for themselves, Tim Kolb of Kob Syverson Commmunications in Appleton was contacted to test a new Sony high-definition video camera. The camera has been on the market for about eight weeks, but will be officially unveiled at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas that began on Saturday. Tony Mata, the videographer, told Kolb about Copper Box, and suggested a possible music video to test the camera. "I went out and bought their CD, and I was hooked, " Kolb said. "Their original material is so well crafted. Part of making a good music video is you have to start with good music. These guys are that talented." Kolb contacted the band about three weeks ago. "Tony (Mata) said, "Guys, the time is now. We've got to get this done in less than two weeks," Jerabek said. ON LOCATION Kolb, who assumed directorial duties, told the band he wanted to find an old dancehall with wooden floors as the video site. Copper Box members hit the road and found a few options, but local restaurateur, Ryan Nolan, Water City Grill owner, offered the site to the ensemble. They considered the Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford and decided against the former club, now schoolhouse, the Eagles Club on Washington Ave. QUICK CLEAN-UP The Algoma Club held a standing room-only audience last Sunday night for a benefit concert to raise funds for late musician, Matthew Golay, and for MusiCares, a charity to help musicians when faced with financial or health care needs. Golay was a strong promoter of local bands, and many played at the concert, including Copper Box. "We got back from the concert and I did laundry until about 2:30 a.m.," Michelle Jerabek said. "Then we got to the Algoma Club around 9 a.m." Besides a sticky floor from the night before, there were some nicks and marks on the wall situated just behind where the band was to set up for their video. With the help from a self-described, "roadie," the set was like-new. LONG DAY "Copper Box was amazing," Kolb said. "We got there at 8 a.m. and left at midnight. Other than pausing for 20 minutes for pizza, we were rocking and rolling for 16 straight hours. You combine that with a Wisconsin work ethic and it was pretty astounding." With Kolb directing, he had help from Mata, who is also a photographer, cinematographer and director of photography. He's worked on the effects unit for the film "Wild, Wild West" and worked on the film "Traffic." Marc Stevens is a director, director of photography, editor and commercial director. He and Mata work for Meridian Studios in Neenah. Filming didn't begin until around 1 p.m. But when it began, everyone was ready. The directors huddled in front of the monitor. The musicians stood in the center of the large wood-floored room with lights reflecting off metallic fabrics, shining a warm glow over their faces. The stained glass windows sparkled behind them and their song "Finally Found You" played over and over and over again. "It's still in my head right now, " Michelle jerabek said. "Since we recorded thtat song a year ago, we didn't play it live for a long time....It's hard to believe we spent 14 hours on one song!" FINISHED PRODUCT After the crew finished recording the footage, Kolb had a mere four days to turn it into a full-fledged music video. It's not his first one - he filmed a music video for Janet Planet ina Kaukauna gravel pit two years ago. The video had to be finished for the NAB convention, so Kolb was under high pressure. And while everyone participated on a volunteer basis, they all benefited individually. Kolb got to test the new camera. The crew got to add music video production to their resumes. And the band has their first music video under their belt. "It's definitely a step in the right direction. There's no telling what will happen," Michelle Jerabek said. "If the right deal comes alson, it'll definitely hlelp the band and help us move in the direction of playing better venues and making a living doing that..."
by A.J. Schuldt [email protected]
Neenah-Menasha Independent News: Steppin' Out - January 2005
If you're looking for a band with a different style and sound, you've got to check out Copper Box. They define themselves as "accordion swamp rock" and it's right on the button. The band, Copper Box, consists of Nate Grier, guitars; Jeff Roblee, drums; Dave Jerabek, bass guitar & tuba; Michelle Jerabek, lead vocals/saxophones/percussion; and Dan Jerabek, lead vocals/button accordion/trumpet. "Copper Box" got it's name from the "BOX" in 'button box'- the defining sound of the band and the "Copper" is what it cost to keep a band going..."every last copper penny and every last inch of emotion/motivation." Sometimes, you gotta dig deep to make things happen...as any band leader/member would eventually find out. The Jerabek's (Dan, Dave & Michelle) have been playing together for about 8 years with Dan & Dave Jerabek being brothers and playin gfor about 11 years. Music has been a big part of their families. Sprouting from a "polka-based" childhood, they branched out on their own to produce one of the country's hottest polka groups and have received many WI Hall of Fame awards, as well as having a song on their second recording being voted "The #1 Song of the Year" in hte country on a nationally syndicated radio/internet broadcast. After a couple years, they decided to broaden their song style and audience by performing original songs and an eclectic taste of music- from rock to Zydeco to blues, which was the start of Copper Box (2002). Putting Nate Grier, a guitar player from UWO and friend of Dave's, into the mix turned out to be an interesteding combination with Nate's musical background ranging from classical to progressive rock. On the other end of the phone in 2004 was a drummer by the name of Jeff Roblee, who answered an ad and passed the audition. According to Michelle, growing up, Dan, Dave & I were pretty much fed ethnic music, particularly Czech and German, which provided us with the basic fundamentals of rhythm, melody and harmony. Not to forget our grandparents and parents who encouraged us to learn an instrument and learn their favorite songs. Of course, along with that came a time to rebel and try something different...which is where we listened to just about everything...eating it as fast as we could chew. Michell's favorite influences are Eva Cassidy, Marcia Ball, Patsy Cline, CCR, Steve Esteban Jordan, and Sheryl Crow to name a few. A spark hit Dan when he heard Steve Jordan on a record that someone at one of their performances gave to him...We tried to track him down for years...and finally, we found out he was performing in TX at the Conjunto Festival, which happen to be two days after the birth of Dan & Michelle's second daughter, Maria...(which by the way, Michelle played a show with Copper Box opening for Buckwheat Zydeco the day after giving birth!) "After searching for so long to see Jordan play LIVE, how could I say no? So, I booked a round trip ticket for Dan that weekend to see Steve Jordan play and it was so worth it." Dan stood in front of the stage for 6+ hours to hold his spot--without going to the bathroom or getting a beverage! Now, many music critics compare Dan Jerabek to Steve Jordan, but yet they still maintain their own unique style. "As a musician/artist, I think it's important to take your influences and to not try to become them note for note, but to use them as an inspiration and put your own emotion into it, " says Dan. He is now endorsed by Baldoni Accordions, which is the preferred brand of accordions by artists such as, Sheryl Crow, CJ Chenier, BoDeans, John Mellancamp, The Dixie Chicks, Riders in the Sky and many more... When the group isn't performing together, the goal at the moment is to keep moving forward...ideally, we'd all like to do this (perform) full time, but things take time to develop--it's not just the music, but the business--you need both. Jeff, Nate & Dave all spend off time teaching private lessons on their instruments, while Dan repairs instruments part time and shares managing responsibility of the band and parental duties with Michelle. I asked Michelle what they'd be doing if they weren't in a band, to which she responded, "...thinking about being a band/making music." When asked what they all do in their free time, Michelle jokes, "There really isn't any...ha ha, Actually, it's important that everyone takes time off from their job or daily routine to do something different. We usually, however, end up spending more time in our van, driving south with our kids to San Antonio, TX or to the bayou, stopping at small towns on the way."
Post-Crescent - September 2004
Diversity is key to the five-piece Oshkosh band Copper Box. ?We all come from pretty different backgrounds and everyone brings those influences with them,? said Michelle Jerabek, who co-leads the band with her husband, Danny. Copper Box performs tonight at Tom?s Garage in Appleton with The Wandering Sons. Both Danny and Michelle got their start in polka music. Along with Dan's brother Dave, and their first band, Kick, was known for playing high-energy polka. But a couple years ago the band decided to break on through to a wider audience by changing its name to Copper Box and diversifying its sound, incorporating the various styles the band members love ? from ?70s rock to Cajun swamp rock to alt-country ? without changing the instrumentation, which includes Danny on squeezebox and trumpet; Michelle on sax, keyboards and percussion; Danny?s brother Dave on bass and tuba; Nate Grier on guitar and newest member Jeff Roblee on drums. The change has worked. ?It?s opened a lot of doors for us, to have a more mainstream sound so we?re not pigeonholed in the polka category,? Michelle said. ?A lot of the songs we were writing just couldn?t fit that specific genre. So we opened it up so we can play a lot of different clubs and festivals and appeal to a wider range of people.? But the former polka connection has paid off for what may lead to national exposure through an ad for Weber grills. ?You can never say anything bad about your roots,? Michelle said in explaining how the band will play at a backyard party on Sept. 18 in a trial commercial for Weber. The opportunity came about when a producer contacted polka radio station WTKM in Hartford, Wis. ?He was looking for some upbeat music and asked if they knew of anything a little more hip and young they could use,? Michelle said. ?The receptionist said, ?Yes, call Danny.? So he called us. We told him we?re not really polka. He said, just as long as it?s upbeat. We tossed a few things his way, he liked it, and we?re rolling with that.? Filming will take place at the home of Michelle?s parents in Kewaskum. ?It?s a farm in the Kettle Moraine,? she said. ?That?s the kind of setting they wanted for the Midwest. ?They want it to represent the typical Midwest back yard party. We?ll set up and play and, as I understand it, we?ll actually be seen in the commercial, if they accept it.? The band will perform one of Danny?s originals called ?Surefire,? a Cajun rock-influenced song that will appear on the band?s followup to its debut CD, ?Roots.? ?Nothing really thought-provoking, but definitely a fun song to play,? Michelle said of ?Surefire.? The band has already cut two songs for the new recording at a Minneapolis studio, but Michelle said the band?s busy touring schedule will keep it busy into the fall. ?We?re still writing for it, but right now we?re just trying to finish the touring season,? Michelle said. ?Once we get into October, the touring schedule will slow and we should be at home more to get something done.? Jim Lundstrom can be reached at 920-993-1000, ext. 374, or by e-mail at [email protected]
by Jim Lundstrom
The Northwestern - July 2004
Five decades of rock in Oshkosh and beyond:
Fifty years ago 19-year-old Elvis Presley walked into Sun Records in Memphis and recorded a rhythm and blues song written by Arthur Crudup.
"That's Alright Mama," not only went on to launch the career of the man who would be "The King" but is also being comemorated as the birth of the musical genre known as rock'n'roll...
Wisconsin has contributed such rock legends as Les Paul, Steve Miller and Jerry Harrison. Even Oshkosh has left its mark on rock music....
While it's not likely that Oshkosh will ever regain its musical glory from the era of beer bars and live music, there is still plenty to be proud of.
Waterfest has become one of the most sought after slots for up and coming bands. A thriving jazz scene is leading to more musical interaction across all genres. With an amphitheater on the horizon, and local original bands like Boxkar, The Cool Waters Band, and Copper Box are ushering in the next generation of Wisconsin rock.
"The Fox Valley is the music scene in the state right now, " Szebini said....
by Jeff Potts ([email protected])
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